Liu Hong takes China's first gold at Beijing athletics worlds

Host China won a belated gold medal at Beijing athletics world championships Friday as Liu Hong and Lyu Xiuzhi had a one-two finish in the women's 20km race walking.

With just two days left for the competition, world record holder Liu pulled off China's first title, clocking one hour 27 minutes and 45 seconds to take her first major title in her fifth world championships.

Lyu, 21, took silver in the same time before Lyudmyla Olyanovska of Ukraine came third in 1:28:13.

Liu and Lyu walked almost side by side into the Bird's Nest when the duo talked to each other briefly.

"It has been difficult today because it is hot. Since the Russian walkers did not come, we don't think winning was a problem," said Liu.

"It went well at the start but then the Italian walker followed us closely which gave us some pressure. It was difficult," said the 28-year-old.

"Liu competed very well," said Liu's Italian coach Sandro Daminilano.

Lyu said they had a friendly talk before they raced to the finish line.

"We said to each other that we should keep our rhythm in case any of us was expelled," said Lyu.

China is now seventh on the medal tally with one gold, four silver and one bronze medals. Endi